Repsol Honda pair satisfied with results from final 2014 test

The sun re-emerged on Wednesday at Valencia and after the track had dried out, the riders finally took to the circuit around 12pm local time, with Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa looking to complete a busy test schedule.

It was Marquez’s first outing on the updated 2015 prototype (since summer Brno test) and it proved very valuable for the HRC engineers. Marquez reported positively on some areas, including the chassis front end, but admitted the engine braking, exit of corner and also rear of the chassis still needs work. His fastest time of 1’30.973 (just 0.130 off Rossi’s pole time on Saturday) on lap 58 of 68 (aboard the 2014 machine) placed him fastest on this final day.

Pedrosa, who spent a few laps on the new machine on Monday, continued his test programme and commented on the more powerful Honda engine. He also confessed the new 2015 RC213V needs some fine tuning before the lights go out in Qatar at the end of March. His time of 1’31.119 (lap 23/57) – on the 2015 prototype – put him in second place behind his teammate.

This is the final test for Repsol Honda before the Winter testing ban kicks in at the end of November. The next time Marquez and Pedrosa will be on track will be in Malaysia in February 2015.

Marquez reflected, “It went well because we were able to gather a lot of data. We tried out both bikes: this year's and the 2015 machine. The new prototype has more potential in some aspects but, as is normal, I felt better with the 2014 bike - with which I set my fastest time. It’s true that in one day we have not had too much time to work on setting up the new prototype, but I think that it has potential and that this test has been important for Honda because of the information obtained. The HRC engineers have also found out which way to go this Winter to try to improve for the test in Malaysia, which takes place in February. Thanks to all my team and to all the fans for an unforgettable 2014!”

Pedrosa stated, “Wednesday testing was a lot more productive. The weather allowed us to set better times and we were able to put in a lot of laps to try out things with the new engine and new bike. Overall the test has been positive and the job of all our colleagues in HRC this Winter will be very important. The technicians here in Valencia have gathered a lot of data to take back to Japan and I’m sure we’ll see a big development when we’re back on track in Sepang next year.”